Techny Reservoir Dam

WEST FORK NORTH BRANCH CHICAGO RIVER· Cook, Illinois· Built 1979· Earth· 11 ft tall
Significant Hazard Flood Risk Reduction Local Government

Key Takeaway

Techny Reservoir Dam is classified as significant hazard in Illinois. It was completed in 1979 and is 47 years old. Its primary use is flood risk reduction. Significant hazard means failure could cause economic or environmental damage. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 11 ft (taller than 8.1% in IL)
Dam Length544 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage350 acre-ft
Normal Storage100 acre-ft
Year Completed1979 (47 years old)
NID IDIL01228

Safety Information

Significant Hazard

No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: No
Last Inspection: October 8, 2015
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: IDNR

Ownership

METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT

Local Government

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Techny Reservoir Dam?

Techny Reservoir Dam is classified as Significant Hazard. No probable loss of human life, but can cause economic loss, environmental damage, or disruption of lifeline facilities. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Techny Reservoir Dam?

Techny Reservoir Dam is owned by METROPOLITAN WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT (Local Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Techny Reservoir Dam built?

Techny Reservoir Dam was completed in 1979, making it 47 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Techny Reservoir Dam?

Techny Reservoir Dam serves the following purposes: Flood Risk Reduction. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Techny Reservoir Dam?

Techny Reservoir Dam has a dam height of 11 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Techny Reservoir Dam last inspected?

Techny Reservoir Dam was last inspected on October 8, 2015. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.